The RepRap Project started as a British initiative to develop a 3D printer that can print most of its own components and be a low-cost 3D printer, but it is now made up of hundreds of collaborators worldwide. (RepRap is short for replicating rapid prototype.) RepRap is the first of the low-cost 3D printers, and the RepRap Project started the open-source 3D printer revolution. It has become the most widely-used 3D printer among the global members of the Maker Community.

In a market which is new and starting to be hyper competitive the race for affordable 3D printers is Olympic — making a choice can be extremely complex and tiring, hence we bring you Top 10 affordable RepRap 3D printers.

Note that these printers are ordered by price.

He3D- XI3 High Precision NEW Prusa I3 – $218

The new He3D- XI3 High Precision NEW Prusa I3 is the most affordable and easy to set up printer available with value for money. Loads of tutorials and videos available at your disposal to setup print and utilize this printer to its extreme core. It notably has improved features like MK8 Extruder, its full Acrylic frame and its MultiMaterial Support. It also supports a wide range of printing materials: PLA, Flexible PLA, CopperFill (Metal), Wood, Nylon, HIPS, Polycarbonate and ABS. Weighing not more than 8.8 kgs/19.4 lbs it is quite compact and portable. It uses DC 12v/250w power supply and supports USB or SD Card with a file print format in STL G-code.

The FLSUN 3D Metal Frame Prusa i3 DIY KIT is an easy to assemble kit. It has a solid Metal structure which is more stable and improves the printing accuracy. Its new Creative design, high precision Y-axis position plate and guaranteed Y-axis positioning accuracy. The printer controller has an integrated motherboard which is easy to connect and supports DIY spread. It is compatible with filaments like: PLA ABS, PETG, Wood, PVA and Flexible Filaments. You also receive 1KG(Roll) Filament (either ABS or PLA), MK2A Heated bed, 8 GB SD Card, LCD Control Panel, SD Card Reader, One Spare Nozzle and One Roll Masking Tape.

The Electron 3D Slimbot Single/Dual is the Newest 2016 Aluminum Frame 3D Printer Kit it is the Seventh generation model now available. The Slimbot has many features only known from much more expensive models. Full metal frame, heated bed and even a bowden-style extruder are all part of the base version. It uses all metal parts in its frame construction – extruded black anodized aluminum is used for the frame material with laser cut acrylic plates for the assemblies and ball bearing v-grove wheels for smooth, quite operation. The kit also includes a USB 2.0 Bundle, 2 Rolls of Filaments tip, an 8 GB SD Card and Assembly Tools.

Sunhokey Acrylic Reprap Prusa i3 DIY Kit is the new upgraded version which bundles with 2 Roll Filament 8GB SD card and an awesome LCD display, all as an easy to assemble kit. Using the E3D hotend which is made up of complete metal, classy and less costly than hotends which have been used in other 3D printers, it can melt the filament quickly prior to rapid cooling with the fans. The remote extruder decreases the heaviness on the X-axis in order to increase the print and speed and minimize the printing error due to inertia. Bowden style extruder is to reduce the weight of the moving components. With the heavy stepper motor off in a fixed position, the hotend can be moved with less force, generally allowing for faster speeds.

The Electron 3D Prusa i3 (6th generation) features Automatic Platform Leveling along with Automatic Platform Height Detection at an additional cost of $50. Its unique Electron Frame is a full wrap-around frame to minimize X-axis shifting during printing. Comes bundled with 1 ea. 1.0 kg rolls filament (PLA or ABS), USB 2.0 Bundle, an 8 GB SD Card and standard assembly tools. Weighing at 15kgs this printer prints excellent quality output. If you are looking for a Larger Build Area (225 x 280 x 200 mm) you need to add +$60 USD to the cost. Some users have issues with overheating due to thin power supply wires.

The Geeetech Acrylic pro Prusa i3 3d printer is planned and developed by Shenzhen Getech Co., Ltd. based on open source RepRap prusa i3. Geeetech i3 features easy assembly and high performance. The acrylic construction makes the printer minimal complex and simple operation. Simple assembly, easy debugging and more stable performance, compared with the i3 pro, i3 pro B features newly added potential for 3D prints—support 5 types of filament: ABS, PLA, Wood, Nylon and flexible PLA to create flexible hinges, joints, shaped parts; enable you to get the most out of your 3D Printer. The power supply is pre-configured together with the printer, the re-arranged cables and wires make the assembling very clear and easy. Thanks to its Standalone Functionality like LCD control panel and SD card reader now you can print without PC.

The Folger Technologies 2020 Prusa i3 is a great beginner kit combining the simplicity of an erector set with the power of a much more expensive desktop printer. The kit comes with everything you need to assemble the 8 cubic inch print area machine (with the exception of an 8″x8″ glass surface). With the use of a few simple tools and a little bit of time you too can get started 3D printing the worlds next big idea. You can even add an LCD Panel and SD Card reader for an extra $12 USD. Has an impressive 203 x 203 x 152.4 mm Build Area which is able to print ABS & PLA Plastic (1.75mm). Unfortunately it only comes with a US Cord which can run 110V or 220 V. You don’t get any tools for assembly, and no filaments. You would need a lot of effort and technical knowhow to assemble this printer.

The Folger Tech RepRap Acrylic 3D Printer Kit prints are of great quality and with impressive 203 x 203 x 178 mm build area you can only expect outstanding performance. With its ability to print ABS, PLA, Wood, PVA and TPE filaments and an added advantage for upgrading and modification abilities. Connectivity via USB, SD Card (Optional). Weighing at merely 7 kgs/15 lbs, it is highly portable. LCD Panel and SD Card Reader available at an extra $12 USD). A standalone printer just like the Folger Tech RepRap Aluminum 3D Printer Kit you can now print without a PC.

The Geeetech Prusa i3 X is a new member of the prestigious Prusa i3 family; it was engineered to provide redefined usability, quality, performance and most important, best affordability in desktop 3D printer market. The Geeetech Prusa i3 X is completely made from piano-black laser-cut acrylic frame. To maintain the garage-built feel and the handmade charm. Geeetech Prusa i3 X is also a DIY kit, which provides you an unforgettable step-by-step learning experience of 3D printer from scratch. The printer supports printing with PLA, ABS, Nylon, Wood-Polymer, flexible PLA and PVA.

Last but not least, this is a smart and elegant looking 3D printer when assembled. This 3D printer comes with a huge bed size of 200 x 200 x 270 mm, a MK3 Heated 3mm Aluminum PCB Board and a robust MK8 extruder which allows printing with most commercially available printer filaments. The company supplies standard LCD 2004 with the printer, I would personally suggest the LCD 12864 which is given as a free upgrade along with the printer but you need to inform the manufacturer for the same. The printer comes with pre-installed firmware which makes it easy to operate as soon as you get the jigsaw pieces of the hardware together. As there are no free filaments supplied make sure you have a range of them ready in stock as soon as the machine is assembled. Discuss this technology further over at 3DPB.com in the Top Ten RepRap Prusa i3 3D Printers forum thread.

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